Design Good

Create a better future, through technology

A Better Future

We’re entering an era of ambient computing, where artificially intelligent machines driven by mass amounts of data are going to be monitoring the world around them, consuming data as if they were human and acting on the information they receive, on our behalf. The problem with this is that more often than not these operations are performed in a way that is invisible to the general public, hidden behind an algorithm that operates in a cloud server somewhere in the middle of, well, nobody really knows.

As former and active technologists with experience working for some of the largest technology organzations in the world, we understand the problems that may arise from the rapid evolution of technologies we're experiencing right now. We also know what kind of impact may result from companies hiding behind their algorithm and are aware of the need for public involvement. For these reasons and more, we decided to launch Design Good, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization on a mission to create a better future, through technology.

We believe this requires a three-part approach, which is to (1) help improve both data and overall technical literacy within the general population, (2) enable technologists to create products that not only respond to informed consumer demand but also create positive social impact and increase revenue, and (3) help policymakers understand what's happening in order to create regulation that not both protects consumers and enables businesses to operate successfully.

We believe approaching this effort with these three sides in mind will allow them to successfully work together, catalyzing the changes that need to be made. And so far it seems to be working, as our work has been featured in:

Think of designgood.tech like the Better Business Bureau, but for the Internet. We are not out to shut any of these businesses down or push for regulation that will stifle innovation, but instead we are here to help consumers feel safe and to help businesses regain and maintain trust—a currency worth more than any other.

Tech Check

One of the biggest problems with the Internet is that there are so many flaws, but nowhere to report a complaint.

Think about how the process of reporting these pain points works now. If you have a problem with an app, a website, spam email, etc., where do you go? Are you going to file a complain with the police? They'll laugh at you. Are you going to tweet about it? Hopefully you have a solid influencer status. Are you going to email the company directly? Good luck getting to the people who make decisions.

Now you can report here.

From this data we can then host complaints for everyone to see and leverage our network to reach the people building the companies in order to make social responsibility a priority within the companies creating the problems.

Trying to stop the progress of these systems or shut them down entirely would be like trying to turn off the sun. If one fails or gets shut down, a new one will form or an existing power will take its place. Instead, we need to focus on technology literacy and moving communities forward.

Books

Automating Humanity is a declassified brief on everything Big Tech doesn't want you thinking about—everything from the impact being created by the addictions they have installed at a global scale, to the profits being driven by fake news and disinformation, to the way these companies are manipulating the world for profit and automating jobs at a scale we've never experienced before.

If you're looking for a book that reveals trade secrets, this is the wrong book for you. But if you're looking for an insider's perspective on the industry written in a way anyone can pick up and enjoy, this is the book you've been looking for. Even without giving away secrets, there's plenty to be told.

The book will

Help readers understand what’s happening in the artificial intelligence space, where it’s been, where it's going and what products will be successful in the future.

Give readers the knowledge to discuss the issues within the technology field and the language necessary to help make change that also drives business.

Teach readers everything they need to know in order to thrive in the age of automation.

Events

In the past year, Design Good has been invited to more than 19 different states or nations across four continents to educating people about the inner workings of Big Tech. Events have included classroom lectures at universities, conferences with world leaders in some of the biggest tech hubs in the world, and private consulting with some of the biggest corporations in the world.

The team is currently traveling the world to educate both technology leaders and newcomers. If you’d like to connect along the way, here’s where and when.

If none of these events meet your needs or you'd like to set up something more specific to you and your team, feel free to reach out at
lets@designgood.tech
and we can make plans for the future!

Reporting on Silicon Valley

11.14

Lincoln, Nebraska

Big Tech is hard enough for technical professionals to understand, but what hope do outsiders have? This talk, at the College of Journalism at the University of Nebraska, will help today's future journalists how to report on what is sure to be one of the biggest issues of their lifetimes. The event will be publicly held in the basement of Anderson Hall on Wednesday, November 14th from 5:30 to 7:00 pm.

Inducing Ethics with TEEM

11.28

Boulder, Colorado

TEEM is a highly reputable interactive digital agency based in Boulder, CO. As a leader in the area, TEEM works to host lively, educational events to promote continued education for the technical leaders of Colorado. They will be hosting this event to help promote awareness of ethical business practices and future tech. The first 10 people to show up will get a free copy of Automating Humanity :)

Tech Talk with BVS

11.29

Boulder, Colorado

Computers, smartphones, tablets—all sorts of connected devices—are invading our lives and the lives of our children like no other point in history. This is changing the way we interact with each other, the way business is done, and, most importantly (and concerning), the way we raise our kids.

I'll be speaking on a panel to a large group of parents and educators about the dangers of modern technology and the most meaningful ways to bring it into the classroom setting.

Big Tech Talk at Turing

11.30

Denver, Colorado

Turing, a non-profit programming school, is one of the top of its kind in the Denver area. What we will talk about is the power that resides within the systems these students will be creating and what opportunities lie ahead for them.

The goal of this talk is to help everyone understand the role they play in the future they're creating and give them the language tso make a positive, lasting impact.

Private Event

Inducing Ethics: How to Regulate Big Tech

12.3

Boulder, Colorado

This talk will give you an insider's perspective on everything Big Tech doesn't want you thinking about: everything from the addictions installed on a global scale to the profits being driven by fake news and disinformation, to the way they’re manipulating the world for profit and using our data to train systems that will automate jobs at an explosive, unprecedented scale. Toscano will then critically analyze these issues and suggesting how we can create proactive, adaptable regulation that satisfies both the needs of consumer safety and commercial success in the international economy.

Don't Break Up Big Tech, Tax Them

12.5

Boulder, Colorado

A five minute lightning talk will explain what exactly a data monopoly is, how to identify it, and why breaking them up in the traditional sense of breaking up businesses is not the answer—and what a better option might be instead.

Big Tech Talk with Lambda School

12.06

Denver, Colorado

Turing, a non-profit programming school, is one of the top of its kind in the Denver area. What we will talk about is the power that resides within the systems these students will be creating and what opportunities lie ahead for them.

The goal of this talk is to help everyone understand the role they play in the future they're creating and give them the language to make a positive, lasting impact.

Private Event

Refresh Denver

2.13

Denver, Colorado

This talk, given by former Google consultant Joe Toscano, will give you an insider's perspective on everything Big Tech doesn't want you thinking about: everything from the addictions installed on a global scale to the profits being driven by fake news and disinformation, to the way they’re manipulating the world for profit and using our data to train systems that will automate jobs at an explosive, unprecedented scale. Toscano will then critically analyze these issues and suggesting how we can create proactive, adaptable regulation that satisfies both the needs of consumer safety and commercial success in the international economy.

Lunch & Learn Cognizant Quick Left

2.15

Boulder, Colorado

Cognizant Accelerator is at the forefront of how Cognizant innovates, both for our clients and ourselves. Our team of leaders have diverse experiences across technology startup and enterprise software leaders. Our mission: to find and fuel groundbreaking ideas that solve the challenges our clients—and we—will face.

The goal of this talk is to help everyone understand the role they play in the future they're creating and enable them to make a positive, lasting impact.

Private Event

Let's Make Plans

If you'd like to book me for one of your events, give feedback on an event that you attended or otherwise connect about work opportunities, please reach out at
lets@designgood.tech